In a heartwarming display of community engagement, Yavapai County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) shared some quality time with the young minds at Ash Fork School, as reported by the department's own news release. On October 24th, the focus was on forging a positive connection between law enforcement and students, with Deputy Do Right leading the charge, an officer so adept at winning over the youth that his presence alone could be considered a community service.
During his classroom tour, Deputy Do Right, became an instant hit with the K-5 students, doling out high-fives and a cornucopia of YCSO-branded goodies, including his #1 sticker, kid-friendly hats, and his very own tattoo decal, along with miniature patrol cars awarded to standout Spartans of the Month, and yes, autographs too, because who doesn't want a peace officer's John Hancock. Yet, while the younger students reveled in the lighter side of law enforcement, an earnest message was conveyed to the older students, grades 6-8, as part of an anti-bullying assembly.
The topic of bullying was given the spotlight thanks to YCSO Sgt Jack Mattox and Deputy Ryan Palmer who, with the straightforward seriousness the issue demands, talked about respect, empathy, and the critical importance of reporting bullying behavior to adults; the duo didn’t shy away from discussing potential legal ramifications for those caught in the act of bullying, all in an effort to encourage the students to make prudent choices today to safeguard their tomorrow.
According to the YCSO news release, Superintendent Seth Staples and Nurse Randi Campbell deserve a tip of the hat for organizing this "outstanding afternoon," a gesture that not only underscores the value of positive reinforcement but also underscores the value of law enforcement's involvement in shaping community values and interaction with the younger generation—YCSO finishes with a hearty 'Go Spartans!' as a nod to the school's spirit and perhaps as a signal of the shared goal of fostering a safe and supportive educational environment.
